Former child star Benji Gregory, known for his role on the sitcom ALF, has died tragically at age 46.

Gregory – who played Brian Tanner on the iconic 80s sitcom, which ran from 1986-1990 – was found dead in his car alongside his service dog Hans at a Chase Bank parking lot in Peoria, Arizona, on June 13.

Gregory’s sister Rebecca told TMZ Gregory suffered from depression, bipolar disorder and had a sleep disorder that ‘often kept him awake for days.’

However, those close to him believe he went to the bank to deposit residual checks on June 12 and fell asleep in his car – dying from vehicular heatstroke.

The Maricopa County Medical Examiner Office has not yet determined a cause of death.

ALF ran for four seasons and was on the air from September 22, 1986, to March 24, 1990. It also starred Max Wright, Anne Schedeen and Andrea Elson.

The plot of the NBC sitcom revolved around the Tanner family, a suburban middle-class family who reside in the San Fernando Valley area of California, who take in ALF and after he crash-lands in their garage.

The series shows the Tanner family doing their best to hide the alien from nosy neighbors and government agencies.

Gregory was just eight-years-old when he shot to fame on ALF. 

The well-known puppet was performed by director Paul Fusco.

Gregory was born in Los Angeles in 1978 – with his father, uncle and sister also all actors.

His TV appearances included Fantastic Max, The A-Team, T.J. Hooker, and The Twilight Zone.

He made several appearances on the television sitcom Punky Brewster, playing an orphan named Dash.

He also made an appearance in the feature film Jumpin’ Jack Flash (1986). 

Gregory stepped away from acting in 2003 and enlisted in the US Navy. 

He was assigned to the USS Carl Vinson and received an honorable medical discharge in 2005.

He married wife Sarah in 2006 – although it is not known if they were still together at the time of his death. 

His sister Rebecca has suggested donations in her brother’s name to either The Actors Equity Foundation or the ASPCA. 

In addition to his acting career, Benji Gregory also had a passion for helping animals. He was a strong advocate for animal rights and often volunteered at local animal shelters. Gregory was known for his love of animals, especially his service dog Hans who was found alongside him at the Chase Bank parking lot. His commitment to animal welfare was evident in his support for organizations like the ASPCA. If you would like to honor Benji Gregory’s memory, consider making a donation to the ASPCA in his name.

Despite the challenges he faced in his personal life, Benji Gregory will always be remembered for his talent and the joy he brought to audiences around the world. His role as Brian Tanner on ALF remains a cherished part of TV history, and his dedication to his craft shone through in every performance. Let us celebrate his life and legacy by keeping his memory alive through his work and his advocacy for animals.

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Source: USA Today